What if, after the frenzy of Art Basel, you didn't return home? After navigating the Swiss town's crowded streets and the fair's labyrinthine booths, a moment of respite might be in order.
These five design hotels are tucked among Europe's most storied landscapes—from the southernmost tip of the Peloponnese to the edges of Lake Lugamo—and they're just a short flight away from Basel. Hand-picked for an immersive getaway, each is an architectural marvel in its own right—rich with history and lushly designed interiors. Whether you're craving urban immersion or a quiet reprieve, one of these establishments will fill your cup.
For the Myth-Lover Seeking a Modern-Day Acropolis
Designed by the late architect Ed Tuttle, Amanzoe, Porto Heli perches high above the olive groves of the Peloponnese on the furthest outcropping of the Greek mainland. The resort mines classical Greek architecture—open-air bathing pavilions, serene courtyards, airy marble colonnades—with a minimalist finish that incorporates every contemporary luxury imaginable. Villas open onto private pools and panoramic views, while serene interiors echo the landscape with soft stonework and tawny wood tones.
For the Anglophile Who Delights in Victorian Charm
A short stroll from the Victoria & Albert Museum, London's Kensington Hotel offers a quiet masterclass in British elegance—with a wink. The grand Victorian townhouse exudes warmth without stuffiness: there are clawfoot tubs, working fireplaces (which, regrettably, do prove useful during British summertime), velvet settees, and a lobby long enough to roller-skate in. Rooms range from chic and streamlined to heritage-inspired; the Brompton and Kensington suites are steeped in classic Victorian charm. Downstairs, the Town House restaurant's offering moves fluidly from sunlit breakfasts in the morning to candlelit British classics by evening. The K Bar, paneled in oak and replete with overstuffed velvet seating and polished brass accents, provides the perfect conspiratorial ambiance for savoring an after-dinner cocktail.
For the History Buff Who Thrives on Empire-Era Drama
The fashion world's favorite Paris accommodation is the Hôtel Napoléon. Built in 1928 by architect Henri Porteau and gifted by a Russian aristocrat to his French bride, the space blends romantic lore with Napoleonic design: empire-style furnishings, gilded mirrors, neoclassical columns, and velvet drapery that channel the period's theatrical grandeur. The hotel's 96 rooms are bathed in natural light from tall windows, and the high ceilings and rich upholstery make each one feel more like a private residence than a hotel suite.
For the Wine Lover Who Could Use a Lakeside Retreat
Set against the alpine blues of Lake Lugano, Parco San Marco is a modernist escape wrapped in subtropical greenery. The 111 sun-washed suites—all with lake views—blend warm wood with color-blocked textiles, while gigantic windows offer a painterly frame to the mountains that rise behind Cima. A constellation of restaurants on the property capture distinct moods: retro-chic Ristorante La Veranda & San Marco features marble tabletops and pastel furnishings, while the Sky Lounge pairs aperitivi with a cinematic terrace view. The resort’s spa is replete with saunas, saltwater pools, and wellness offerings tuned to the landscape’s rhythm. But the crown jewel is La Cava, a 200-year-old stone wine cellar with 3,000 bottles—a hideaway for private tastings and slow, sumptuous evenings. Don't miss Parco San Marco's "open-air museum," which plays host to annual exhibitions from designers and artists including Anacleto Spazzapan and Ottmar Hörl, whose large-scale works—crafted in iron, marble, and glass—dot the property.
For The Aesthete in Search of Old-World Splendor
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town—a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its medieval fortress and shoulder-wide alleyways—Virgin Hotels Edinburgh complements centuries-old grandeur with fresh design interventions. Housed in the historic India Buildings, the hotel has preserved its vaulted ceilings and grand staircases while incorporating modern interiors by Ica, Four-by-Two, and Joelle Reid Interiors. The long halls spotlight works from Scottish artists, and the Commons Club offers all manner of he traditional Scottish fare. Guestrooms blend Victorian touches with sleek comforts and arresting views of Edinburgh Castle. For a moment of reflection, descend to the Oculus Lounge—a circular sanctuary tucked beneath the building's jaw-dropping cupola, where curved walls and soft light offer a meditative pause from the bustle.
